The San Jose Sharks have officially signed Will Smith, the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, to a three-year entry-level contract. Smith, who had an impressive freshman season at Boston College, is expected to be a significant addition to the team's lineup. The contract includes a salary of $855,000, a signing bonus of $95,000, performance bonuses that could total up to $3.2 million, a cap hit of $950,000, and an average annual value (AAV) of $4.15 million. Sharks' General Manager Mike Grier stated that this step is crucial for Smith's development into a full-time NHL player. Smith has expressed his excitement about joining the team and has chosen to wear the number 2 jersey, a nod to his connection with Brian Leetch. The Sharks, who are looking to rebound from their NHL-worst record, see Smith as a key player in their rebuilding efforts.
Will Smith wanted to wear No. 2. The Sharks acted quickly, in more ways than one https://t.co/Vll5CEBzMc
Boston College forward Will Smith signs with Sharks https://t.co/PDDs66WcIC
"It was time to take that next step." Will Smith on why he's leaving Boston College for #SJSharks, excited for Sharks' "special future": https://t.co/uA9ufic5QK
#SJSharks say that Will Smith will wear No. 2. Yes, they've already put up a link to purchase his jersey.
Hey Will, we can confirm you will still be No. 2 👏 🛍️ Order your Sharks Will Smith jersey now: https://t.co/0wrgBDFYia https://t.co/TG21I7XlCS
The San Jose Sharks signed Will Smith, their 2023 first-round draft choice taken No. 4 overall, to a three-year contract as the team tries to rebound from an NHL-worst record. https://t.co/BGa7EHweEe
The San Jose Sharks signed Will Smith, their 2023 first-round draft choice, to a three-year contract as the team tries to rebound from an NHL-worst record. https://t.co/oYJ8XcQBHF
As reported by San Jose Hockey Now on Sunday, Will Smith has signed with #SJSharks. Mike Grier and scouts around the league have been saying for a while that he's NHL-ready: https://t.co/t1FRBinXKE
The Sharks rebuild took another step on Tuesday, after they signed last year’s first rounder Will Smith. Next up, Macklin Celebrini and one of the most exciting young duos in hockey | @sfchronicle https://t.co/MNryFeFyWK
Undoubtedly, #SJSharks prospect Will Smith was excited to join the NHL club today. He discussed what he could bring to the NHL and gave his thoughts on projected No. 1 pick Macklin Celebrini. Read more on @TheHockeyNews.⤵️ https://t.co/kXF1RRArNJ
Top prospect Will Smith is expected to sign with the Sharks this summer, forgoing his eligibility at Boston College. https://t.co/X4YvHukmui https://t.co/mTXnDc1cmX
The Sharks signed Will Smith, their 2023 first-round draft choice taken No. 4 overall, to a three-year contract as the team tries to rebound from an NHL-worst record. https://t.co/ddIXr1ZcDz
Sharks sign Will Smith to 3-year, entry-level deal. ✍️ https://t.co/UHFElJcPWb https://t.co/6uruDXVkeW
Will Smith, the No. 4 pick of 2023 NHL Draft, has signed with the Sharks.⤵️ https://t.co/IFI3GUpNmb
Smith says the goal is to make the NHL, but he's open to playing in the AHL too, if the Sharks deem it best for his development
Smith says he'll wear No. 2 if #SJSharks let him. He told us the story about why he chose that number (Brian Leetch connection!) last summer: https://t.co/LpA5s2seox
Smith wants to wear No. 2 with the #SJSharks but says nothing has been decided.
#SJSharks Will Smith said he decided before worlds that he was going to sign, but wanted to go through that experience first before finalizing his decision.
Smith says he made up his mind before he left for Worlds to sign with the #SJSharks
SMITH SIGNS 🤩 2023 fourth overall pick Will Smith has inked his entry-level contract with the @SanJoseSharks! https://t.co/tEaJJeG4Jc
Best of luck to Will Smith in the NHL! https://t.co/Aj2wHdZKQ7
The Fresh Prince is on his way to the #SJSharks. Will Smith has signed his ELC and will join the NHL club. Read more on @TheHockeyNews.⤵️ https://t.co/Y3UYrIEg6h
Will Smith Signs Entry Level Contract with San Jose Sharks https://t.co/G1AZieya8R
Will Smith has officially signed his entry-level contract with the Sharks. 🦈 https://t.co/MZOT48H52O
Terms of Will Smith's deal, per source, confirmed by PuckPedia: Salary $855k, signing bonus 95K; 'A' Performance Bonuses $1M; 'B' Perf Bonuses $2.2M
Will Smith has signed with the Sharks after his spectacular freshman season at Boston College. Celebrini and Smith. The Comm Ave. Connection. Coming to an NHL arena near you. https://t.co/Zq5NOFt15V
The #SJSharks signed '23 #4 pick Will Smith to 3 year Entry Level Deal NHL Salary 855K Signing Bonus 95K "A" Perf Bonuses $1M (max) "B" Perf Bonuses $2.2M Cap Hit 950K, AAV $4.15M Rep'd by @SeanCof @QuartexxHockey https://t.co/fYSVT5ybze
Sharks make it official, signing Boston College center Will Smith to a three-year entry-level contract.
It's official! Will Smith is signing with the Sharks. Grier statement: “We felt that this is the next best step for his development to becoming a full-time NHL player, and we are looking forward to seeing him compete at the highest level of hockey.” https://t.co/a30HQwIa2y
San Jose Sharks sign 2023 first round draft pick https://t.co/Zdr3eReELg
Great news for Sharks fans https://t.co/pHG9MqXKBn
Expect #sjsharks to announce a three-year entry level deal today for Will Smith, the 2023 No. 4 overall pick, who is one and done at Boston College. Big day for SJ. Sharks are set down the middle for the next 15 years. Macklin Celebrini's running mate just happens to be a BC…
Hearing the #SJSharks & 2023 4th-overall pick Will Smith are finalizing his three-year, entry-level contract and an announcement could come today.
San Jose Sharks top prospect Will Smith lauded presumed No. 1 overall draft pick Macklin Celebrini after the two battled multiple times during the 2023-24 NCAA hockey season. https://t.co/77Y4zapq5M https://t.co/36ApJ25xVU
Per @Sheng_Peng, Will Smith is expected to sign with the #SJSharks this Summer. Read more on @TheHockeyNews.⤵️ https://t.co/cTmlkDVnh7
SOURCES: Will Smith Expected To Sign With Sharks This Summer https://t.co/dupawoYblY
Sharks prospect Smith says college rival Celebrini 'pretty special player' ⤵️ https://t.co/9SQp13mXZT